Full Breakdown
Ryanair CEO Claims EU's New Border System Punishes British Holidaymakers
4/3/2026, 7:55:35 PM
Overview of the Situation
Michael O'Leary, the CEO of Ryanair, has accused the European Union (EU) of punishing British travelers with extensive passport control delays as a consequence of Brexit. He asserts that the EU's new Entry Exit System (EES), which requires biometric data from non-EU nationals, is causing significant disruptions at airports, leading to waits of up to four hours for passengers traveling from the UK to the Schengen Area.
Details of the Entry Exit System
The EES was introduced in stages, with its initial rollout occurring in October 2025 and full implementation expected by April 2026. This system mandates that travelers from third-party countries, including the UK, provide fingerprints and photographs upon entry into the Schengen Area, which comprises 29 European countries. O'Leary has noted that the system has already resulted in considerable backlogs and increased waiting times, particularly during peak travel periods.
Impact on Travelers
Reports indicate that delays at border control points have been exacerbated by understaffed immigration kiosks and the mismanagement of queues, where registered passengers are placed with those who have not yet registered. Smaller airports, such as those in Seville, Alicante, Tenerife, and Faro, are expected to be particularly affected by these delays. The Airports Council International has documented a deterioration in waiting times, with some airports experiencing delays of two hours or more.
Official Responses and Concerns
Aviation bodies have expressed their concerns to Magnus Brunner, the EU Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration, urging immediate action to mitigate the excessive delays caused by the EES. They highlighted three primary issues contributing to the delays: chronic understaffing at border control, unresolved technical malfunctions, and low adoption rates of the Frontex pre-registration app by Schengen states. These organizations warned that without prompt intervention, severe disruptions could occur during the busy summer months.
Criticism of the EU's Approach
O'Leary has characterized the situation as a "shambles," suggesting that the EU is using the new border system as a form of retribution against the UK for its decision to leave the union. He stated, "There's a bit of Brexit in this too. Here, you voted for Brexit - f*****g join the queue." This sentiment reflects a broader frustration among British travelers regarding the perceived punitive measures stemming from Brexit.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While O'Leary attributes the long queues to the EU's punitive measures, some sources question whether the delays are solely a result of Brexit or if they stem from the chaotic implementation of the EES. There is a lack of consensus on the extent to which Brexit has directly influenced the current situation, leaving room for further investigation into the root causes of the delays.
Verbatim Quotes
- "We are beginning to see significant disruption. That's the next big issue. And EES has just been a s*** show and a shambles." — Michael O'Leary, CEO of Ryanair
- "Failing immediate action to provide sufficient flexibility, severe disruptions over the peak summer months are a real prospect." — Aviation bodies addressing the EU
As the situation develops, the impact of the EES on British holidaymakers remains a critical issue, with ongoing discussions about the need for adjustments to the system to alleviate the burden on travelers.
